Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Does Vintage Just Mean Used?

This Charles Hubert pocket watch was intentionally made to look like an antique 3869-S

Is vintage just a sales tactic for a used product? Possibly,
yes, vintage usually suggest older or aged so it is highly likely that the item
has been used. There are plenty of examples of something being used and also
still desirable. Examples include diamond rings, particularly ones with high
carat value, a Rolex watch or anything Hermes.

Vintage can also be used to describe a look. Occasionally an
item that has been antiqued and made to look older or from another era can be called
vintage, in this instance it is used descriptively. Items that have a vintage
look or feel are not necessarily used. While there are many examples of vintage
or used items being sold in secondhand stores, that are great buys, not all “vintage”
is used.

This has never been truer than applied to jewelry or pocket
watches. Style is of the utmost importance and many designers go for a
particular look or feel. Recreating something older or from the past gives the
item a certain appeal. Note the popularity of the Downton Abbey costume jewelry
collection being sold at Macy’s. I noticed these items and the group of young
women gathered around the display. They seemed to like the pieces and while the
show has made the style popular, it does have a vintage charm.

Downton Abbey jewelry

Vintage can be a style so don’t automatically assume a piece
that is labeled vintage is used. Many designers try and emulate an older look
as a design choice. Jewelry can have both an older antiqued finish while still maintaining
a newer modern feel. These pieces do a great job of crossing the border between
older styling and newer trend. So while many pieces are vintage, not all pieces
are used.

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About Me

I’m taking my years of experience in fashion and jewelry retailing and talking about it. I’m not just promoting myself or a brand that has hired me to do so. I’m not beholden to anyone and I’m not afraid to tell it like it is or should be. Not all designers are fabulous and there are many hidden treasures in the world. I will try and unearth these hidden treasures and bring them to the attention of my readers. Along the way I’ll give tips and opinions on what I’ve seen that works and what doesn’t. I’ll try and explain how to be a free spirit without looking like a mental patient and we don’t have to buy into what the experts always tell us in order to be fashionable. Fashion is fun, jewelry is amazing and who doesn’t love to accessorize?